Rock on! Musical group relaunches

RELAUNCH . . . Muso's owner Pete Clarke, student Ronald Morgan (75), owner Chrissy Clarke, and student Emily Martin (15)

THE relaunch of a much-loved Oldham talent pool is music to the ears of the borough's future rock and pop stars ­- and they've added another string to their bow.

Muso's closed its music store in Yorkshire Street last September after five years.

After a short stint next door at Scoots, Suits and Boots they were forced to shut up shop for good, taking their highly regarded music school and choir with them.

But the pair behind the venture, husband and wife Pete and Chrissy Clarke, were desperate to get back on the road and are now strumming the strings and tickling the ivories at a new venue above The Help Shop in Lees Road.

Sticking to the ethos of making music fun, they host lessons for a whole orchestra of instruments and singing, and are about to launch drama workshops with Oldham actor and writer Daniel Thackeray.

Chrissy, who teaches guitar and ukulele to all ages, said: "To find these lovely rooms to set up Muso's again it just fantastic.

"All the tutors have been us since we opened the shop in 2011. Wherever we've moved they've come with us and that says a lot about how well we work together.

"We've got some real talent and because we are performers, that's how we teach.

"We run Whittling Wednesdays, at Whittles, and we work our students towards those type of performances and have some good outlets for them to take part in.

"We're hoping with Daniel involved we can eventually put performances on at Oldham Library."

Tutors include Richard Simpson, who teaches advanced finger-style guitar, and "brilliant drummer" Andy Williams. Paula Finnerty teaches piano and runs the Muso's Rock Choir, which is looking to boost its membership.

Chrissy said: "We get all ages wanting to learn and I particularly like teaching my pensioners who love learning."

Find out more at www.musosmusic.com or call Chrissy on 07976 805057.